Environment & Science

Orange County opens its Emergency Operations Center because of storms

The storm that's moving in today has triggered Orange County to activate its Emergency Operations Center.

The idea is to maintain a central location where the county can keep tabs on storm damage – and determine where to send help.

As part of the Emergency Operations Center, Orange County has set up a public information hotline, so people can get storm-related info. That number is (714) 628-7085. But authorities say if it's an emergency, call 911.

The county is bracing for the possibility of more waterspouts and tornadoes today, along with waves of up to 20 feet in some areas.

The National Weather Service predicts the pounding surf will mix with a "rare" storm surge and high tide that could damage piers and jetties in Orange County.

Farther inland, in Yorba Linda – below the 2008 Freeway Complex Fire burn area – a mudslide yesterday filled a backyard but didn't damage any homes. There's concern about more of that today.

So far, Disneyland and California Adventure plan to stay open. But for the third day in a row, Knott's Berry Farm is closed because of the rain.